Euro 2008 : My Best Euro 2008 XI

With the European Championships drawing to close,I thought I'd pick my best team for the tournament.However,my picks represent my choices,you are free to comment on them.

It's just before the final but this is my team anyway.

Manager : Fatih Terim (Turkey)

While I also considered Guus Hiddink,Luis Aragones and Joachim Loew,I chose Fatih Terim purely due to his 'never say die' attitude.He inspired Turkey to a couple of historic comebacks that will live long in the memory of all football fans.

A passionate manager,who can hold his nerve and make the necessary changes when needed,Fatih Terim is Euro 2008's best manager.

Goal Keeper : Igor Akinfeev (Russia)

Akinfeev is a very young keeper but I thought he coped with the pressure very well to drag Russia to the semifinals making some fine saves especially against Sweden and the Netherlands,along the way.

Akinfeev is chosen over Cassias,Buffon and Lehmann.

Right Back : Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Sergio Ramos was ever present in Spain's defence.Ramos brought his good form from Real Madrid to good use for his national side.

Ramos has also been a lethal part of Spain's attacking force.He is chosen over Corluka and Fredrich.

Centre Back : Carlos Puyol (Spain)

Another Spaniard here,Carlos Puyol has been a very prominent part of Spain's journey to the final.

The Barcelona captain is one of the senior members of the Spanish outfit and his partnership with Marchena has been remarkable.

Centre Back : Christoph Metzelder (Germany)

An accomplished performer, Metzelder has all the attributes any manager could want from a defender including being genuinely two-footed.

The Real Madrid man has been very impressive,a solid rock in the German Defense.

Left Back : Philip Lahm (Germany)

Philip Lahm has been absolutely wonderful this summer,whether defending or attacking,he adds another dimension to Germany.

His goal against Turkey exhibited some beautiful football and he's my pick over Capdevilla and Ugur Boral.

Right Winger : Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

Yet another German? Yes,but Bastian Schweinsteiger truly deserves to be in this team,he has been one of the surprise packages of the summer.

Whether it's cutting in from the flanks to nick a goal or going out wide to create one or simply whipping in unstoppable cross,Schweinsteiger has been absolutely incredible.

Central Midfielder : Micheal Ballack (Germany)

Micheal Ballack has shown tremendous ability to lead from the front at Euro 2008.Ballack has worked tirelessly hard and has set a very high standard during the European Championships.

He's been where he is needed for a swashbuckling tackle, if it's needed to gee up the lads or to power one into the top corner.

Central Midfielder : Cesc Fabregas (Spain)

Luis Aragones hasn't given Fabregas to many opportunities to start but when he comes on,he makes one hell of an impact on the game.

His presence in the team is a very positive one,he's young,strong and has the pace and ability to match some of the world's best midfielders.

Left Winger : Arda Turan (Turkey)

David Silva was already in here before I realised Arda's impact at Euro 2008,He made a pivotal contribution to Turkey's performance at Euro 2008.

His unavailability was one of the reasons for Turkey's elimination from the tournament.He is quick footed and sensible it's no wonder why Arsenal,Juventus and Newcastle are chasing him.

Striker : David Villa (Spain)

The tournament's highest goal scorer,David Villa was always a definite pick for this team.

David Villa has all the abilities of the "complete" striker.He can stun the crowd from 30 yards and can keep his nerve from the 6 yard box as well.

Second Striker : Andrei Arshavin (Russia)

Playing just behind David Villa will be Russia's Arshavin.He has been arguably the biggest performer at Euro 2008 and a very important part of Russia's setup.

The 'playmaker' is drafted into the team ahead of Roman Pavlyuchenko.Arshavin has two goals to his name before the final.